Performance analysis of fiber-optic transducer for measuring low pressures

In this paper we present an analysis of the performance of an industrial prototype of a fiber-optic transducer for measuring low hydrostatic pressure. Panda 800 and novel elliptical-core side-hole fibers were used as highly birefringent sensing elements for two ranges of pressure: up to 2.1 MPa and up to 0.28 MPa, respectively. Metrological data presented here show that an overall accuracy of 1%, including stability, repeatability, and temperature error compensation, can be maintained over a significant range of temperatures. Leading input and output fibers using FC single-mode optical connectors allow convenient exchange of sensing heads and remote operation up to about 1 km. Using standard pressure fittings, the transducer can easily be connected to any kind of pressure chamber or vessel.